Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DuPage County proclaims September Workforce Development Month; WorkNet DuPage reports training and wage gains
Summary
The County Board adopted a proclamation recognizing September as Workforce Development Month and leaders from WorkNet DuPage reported recent program-year outcomes, including training grants and average wage gains for participants.
The DuPage County Board on Aug. 26 adopted a proclamation recognizing September as Workforce Development Month and acknowledged WorkNet DuPage for connecting job seekers to training and employment resources.
Chair Deborah Conroy read the proclamation noting WorkNet’s role in aligning workforce skills with employer demand and promoting economic equity. The board moved and the motion carried to adopt the proclamation.
Lisa Shavak, executive director of WorkNet DuPage, spoke to the board about program results and the division’s caseload. Shavak said the workforce division administers federally funded Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs and at any given time provides long-term case management to “between 350 and 400 people.” She added that federal funding appeared likely to remain secure for the coming year.
Economic-development committee remarks at the meeting highlighted recent WorkNet results for program year reporting: more than $2 million in grants awarded to more than 300 local job seekers for in-demand occupational training in health care, advanced manufacturing and information technology; more than $250,000 in grants to local businesses for upskilling employees; a reported average wage gain of 61% for participants after completing services and an average wage at completion of approximately $60,000.
Discussion versus action: The board’s action at the meeting was adoption of a ceremonial proclamation; no new county appropriation or program change was enacted during the session. WorkNet leaders used the occasion to thank staff and restate program outcomes and funding sources.
Background and next steps: WorkNet DuPage staff were invited to speak and the board signaled continued support for workforce investments. Officials encouraged public awareness of WorkNet services and said county leaders would share client success stories at future meetings.
Quotes in the meeting came from Chair Conroy and Lisa Shavak, who identified funding streams and program details. The board thanked WorkNet staff present and not present for their service to DuPage residents.
